Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1832

Introduced
11/8/23  

Caption

In election districts and polling places, further providing for wards in cities of the first class may be created, divided, realigned, or consolidated; and making an editorial change.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws concerning elections, specifically how wards may be created, divided, or consolidated. This change aims to enhance the accuracy of representation and ensure that wards reflect current population data, as determined by the most recent Federal census. By establishing this nonpartisan commission, the bill seeks to remove political bias from the ward delineation process, potentially leading to fairer representation for all residents within these voting districts. The requirement for public hearings emphasizes the importance of community feedback in shaping electoral boundaries, thus aiming to improve democratic processes within cities.

Summary

House Bill 1832 establishes a framework for the reapportionment of electoral wards in cities of the first class in Pennsylvania. It mandates that the governing body of such cities must create a nonpartisan commission to oversee the reapportionment process, ensuring that it is carried out according to specific standards of transparency and public involvement. The bill outlines a structured process where the commission is required to hold public hearings and solicit citizen input before finalizing any proposals for ward changes, reflecting a commitment to community engagement in the electoral process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1832 appears to be largely supportive, especially among those who advocate for transparent and fair electoral processes. Proponents argue that the establishment of a nonpartisan commission will foster fairness in representation and ensure that community voices are considered in the apportionment process. However, there may be some concerns from local political entities about the implications for local control and authority, as this shifts some oversight responsibilities to a newly created commission. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the bill's intent to strengthen democracy through an inclusive approach to ward reapportionment.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the logistics of implementing the bill, particularly regarding the operational details of the nonpartisan commission. Issues could include how members of the commission are selected, the extent of their authority, and the mechanisms for contesting reapportionment decisions. Additionally, the tension between maintaining local political influence and adhering to nonpartisan practices in electoral processes could lead to debates among various political groups. As the bill progresses, these concerns will likely need to be addressed to ensure broad acceptance and effective implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1876

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in school directors, further providing for school board in first class A school districts, apportionment of seats and numbers, terms and methods for election of school directors in first class A school districts, for number and election in districts of the second, third and fourth classes and terms of office, for number and election in districts third class and terms of office and for number and election in districts fourth class and terms of office.

PA HB2700

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions and for publication of notices; in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for Voting Standards Development Board and for State Plan Advisory Board; in county boards of elections, further providing for article heading, for county boards of elections and membership, for powers and duties of county boards, for records and documents to be open to public inspection and proviso and for watchers or attorneys at sessions of county board, candidates may be present; In district election officers, further providing for article heading, for district election boards and election, for tie votes for judge and inspector, for clerks of election and machine inspectors, for vacancies in election boards, appointment, judge and majority inspector to be members of majority party and minority inspector to be a member of minority party, for election officers to be sworn, for compensation of district election officers, for overseers of election and for appointment of watchers; in election districts and polling places, further providing for polling places to be selected by county board;

PA HB830

In election districts and polling places, further providing for polling places to be selected by county board; and, in qualifications of electors, further providing for residence of electors.

PA HB1487

In election districts and polling places, further providing for polling places to be selected by county board; and, in qualifications of electors, further providing for residence of electors.

PA SB867

Providing for city classification; making a repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1588

Providing for city classification; making a repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1831

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for Senator and Representative in the General Assembly, for special elections for members of councils or legislative bodies of cities, boroughs, towns and townships and for nominations for special election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships and providing for special election for Senator or Representative in General Assembly or member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships and for fines imposed for certain resignations and establishing the Special Election Fund; in nomination of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries, providing for secure online signature collection for Federal, State and municipal political offices and further providing for nominations by political bodies, for limitations on eligibility of candidates, for contents of nomination papers, restriction on names and campaign finances and for filing fee; in voting machines, further providing for requirements of voting machines; in electronic voting systems, further providing for requirements of electronic voting systems and for forms; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, repealing provisions relating to qualified mail-in electors, providing for automatic issuance of mail-in ballots, repealing provisions relating to applications for official mail-in ballots, to date of application for mail-in ballot and to approval of application for mail-in ballot and further providing for delivering or mailing ballots, for voting by mail-in electors and for public records; in primary and election expenses, further providing for authorization of political committee and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons; and imposing penalties.

PA HB287

In personnel of the system, establishing eviction agent advisory boards in cities of the first class and eviction agent education and training programs in cities of the first class; providing for eviction procedure in cities of the first class; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1396

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in district election officers, further providing for compensation of district election officers; in election districts and polling places, providing for ballot drop boxes; in electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies, preparation of the voting system and of polling places, providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing, repealing provisions relating to statistical sample and providing for post-election ballot audit; providing for electronic poll books and for electronic poll books and election infrastructure equipment bonds; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for deadline for receipt of valid voter registration application; providing for in-person early voting; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot, for approval of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections; in recounts and contests, further providing for opening ballot boxes upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and deposit or bond, for recanvassing voting machines upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and for correction of returns, decision not to be final and evidence for prosecution; in penalties, further providing for interference with primaries and elections, frauds and conspiracy; making an appropriation; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1648

Providing for right-to-know; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

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